Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify that the existing medical marijuana storefronts in Machias are not grandfathered to continue operation. If the town votes no on medical marijuana, the five existing medical marijuana storefronts will have to close, per Town of Machias legal counsel.

More than 40 people turned out for a Machias public hearing on Monday, Nov. 19 to learn about the town’s proposal for governing medical marijuana.

The following excerpts from one of this paper’s antecedents, The Machias Republican, tell the story of a devastating fire that took place at the Centre Street Congregational Church and the subsequent rebuilding. The church is still located today on the corner of Court and Centre Streets in Machias.

As we approach once more the celebratory holiday season, I thought a word of caution might be in order. A Machias friend, Laurel Robinson, the proofreading editor, suggested I might read this excellent biographic story of a time which we all would rather forget - Vietnam. Here is a tough chunk of our country’s history we would all do well to remember!

Both members of the Machias Memorial High School golf team ranked in the top five of all players in the Downeast Athletic Conference, making MMHS senior Evan Dray and junior Jacob Sinford DAC Golf All-Stars.

Coach Tony Roy said both students have played golf for all of their respective years in high school.

From 12 needy children to over 12,000, it’s taken Rhonda French 34 years to achieve a giving miracle of leading by example.

“It all began 34 years ago when I was just out of college and running my own nursery school, and one little boy said he’d like to give a toy to another little boy who wasn’t going to get one for Christmas,” says French, reflecting on what would become a momentous day. “Well, we helped 12 children that first season, and I gave the toys to the Salvation Army to distribute.”

Tyler Farrington can make a wreath in just five minutes, but he knows someone who can do it even faster. “Beth Hawkins was about the best,” he said. “If I broke brush for her, she could make one in about three minutes.”

Speedy wreathing is something Farrington appreciates as the owner of Machias Bay Wreath, a business he founded in 2013 at the age of 20. Employing about 18 people this year, Machias Bay Wreath will produce thousands of wreaths for wholesale and retail customers before the season ends mid-December.

The separate school boards that govern the two elementary schools and joint high school in the Moosabec region met this month, and sports was much on the agenda. At the November 14 meeting of the Moosabec CSD, which oversees Jonesport-Beals High School, the board voted unanimously to join the Penobscot Valley (Athletic) Conference (PVC).